Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba's decision to leave the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) comes amid political realignments in the Mt Kenya region, where several politicians who previously supported President William Ruto have distanced themselves from the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Wamuchomba, who recently reconciled with Ruto after falling out with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, announced on Thursday that she would not use the UDA ticket to defend her seat for a third term.

“I am going to defend my seat for the third term. I am categorical that I am not going to use the UDA party,” she told journalists at Parliament Buildings.

Her announcement comes amid defections by Mt Kenya politicians who have abandoned UDA or distanced themselves from the President's political camp.

Some have cited dissatisfaction with the party and what they describe as the region's marginalisation in development.

The political shifts have coincided with the growing influence of Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and other opposition outfits in the region.

Before switching allegiance to Ruto and supporting the broad-based government, Wamuchomba was among the politicians who stood by Gachagua during his impeachment in October 2024.

At the time, she broke down in tears while defending Gachagua against what she described as persecution.

Wamuchomba's decision follows similar moves by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha, Murang'a Governor Irungu Kang'ata, Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Gatundu South MP Gabriel Kagombe, among other politicians.

Nyoro announced his departure from UDA on August 17, 2026, joining the People's Party of Kenya (PPK) and declaring his intention to contest the presidency in 2027.

He cited dissatisfaction with UDA, which he derisively referred to as the “wheelbarrow party”, and said he and his supporters had already left the government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I know you all know we left government a long time ago and dissociated with the wheelbarrow party, the UDA. Vile naona, hata wenye wheelbarrow wenyewe watatoka waiwache,” he said, suggesting that even the party's own supporters would eventually abandon it.

Kang'ata defected from UDA to DCP on July 24, announcing that he would seek re-election on Gachagua's party ticket.

“On July 20, 2024, I wrote an article predicting the political rise of His Excellency Rigathi come 2027. Come 2027, I will defend my seat via DCP, but remain a bridge that connects with Linda Mwananchi,” he said.

Gachagua subsequently welcomed Kang'ata into DCP after the governor visited him at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri.

Badilisha also joined DCP, becoming the second governor from Mt Kenya to leave UDA.

He announced his defection on July 29 after leading a delegation of more than 20 MCAs from Nyandarua and Laikipia counties to meet Gachagua.

The delegation included Nyandarua Senator John Methu and Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia, both allies of the former Deputy President.

Badilisha's move followed DCP's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election on July 16, when its candidate, Sammy Douglas Kamau Waweru, defeated UDA's Samuel Muchina.

“We joined the party long ago. We were just waiting for the right moment, which has come,” the governor said.

Kagombe, who also left UDA for DCP, later sought Gachagua's forgiveness, describing himself as a prodigal son returning to his political home.

On August 16, he invoked the biblical account of Saul's conversion to Paul and the parable of the prodigal son to explain his political shift.

“I was Saul, but now I have seen the light in Damascus; I reformed and became Paul,” he said.

Kagombe asked Gachagua to welcome him back and not punish him for his earlier political choices. He also accused Ruto of misleading him and other leaders.

“I have experienced all the challenges on the other faction (UDA). I have come to ask for your forgiveness,” he said.

“I request you to receive me and don't victimise me. Please have mercy on me,” he added.

Nyahururu-based political commentator Mathai Mwangi said the defections reflected politicians' attempts to respond to changing political sentiment in Mt Kenya and protect their electoral prospects.

“These politicians have realised that the region has largely shifted politically and they have to play their cards well to align with the current climate, where the region seems to gravitate towards the opposition,” he said.

Mwangi argued that some leaders who previously benefited from their association with Ruto were now distancing themselves from their former political camp in an attempt to regain public support.

He compared this to how Mt Kenya politicians had previously used former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as a political foil.

Speaking to The Star, Mwangi added that the politicians were seeking to avoid the public backlash facing staunch Ruto loyalists and improve their chances of retaining their seats in 2027.

“Most want to easily recapture their seats by aligning themselves with the current political wave,” he said.